Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes (1974) - full transcript
It's a turf battle over the mean streets of Harlem between Italian mobsters and the black hoodlums living in the neighborhood run by "Big Tony" (Frank DeKove). The fighting becomes intense as each side tries to push the other out, with both groups bringing in their best hit men. Watch for a brutal transvestite mobster who kills with her high-heeled shoes.
[chatter]
[music playing]
I can't-- believe
me, I wouldn't do
this for anybody else but you.
Who can eat at this time
of the morning anyway?
Not even for my own mother.
I appreciate it, Tony.
You like my place thought, huh?
The only good Italian
restaurant in town.
You know, you haven't been
there in a long time, Hakim.
See?
We've redecorated, expanded.
You're making more money.
No, less, really.
You know, the narcotics
businesses is in the slump.
Various factors.
Competition.
But I expect to make
great deal of money soon.
From numbers?
It's the only
convenient source, Hakim,
how would I do otherwise?
After all, we grew up together,
went to the same school.
But Chicago calls the shots
for me now, you know that.
I need the southwest side.
Like I told you before,
you can keep prostitution.
Later on, I'll cut you
in on the hard stuff.
You just give me the numbers.
Tony, I've told you before.
I don't go that way.
Drugs is your thing, you and
Moma Lottie are into that.
Numbers is my
business, and I intend
to be left alone to do it.
Now that's all I
can here to say.
Why don't you understand
that you're powerless?
You're losing grip, Hakeem.
You don't seem to understand
that you just can't
do anything you want anymore.
You know I know
every movie you make.
Hey you don't pay people
enough, or treat them right.
Something.
I've known your exact
schedule for weeks
now, that you worked
out of the pool room
on Main Street
right this minute.
I know who to get rid
of to take care of that.
I don't think you'll do know.
Anyway, it doesn't
make any difference.
The contract is out
on you, ole boy,
and the order came through
Chicago, not from me.
Understand?
I understand Tony.
But call them and get them to
give me 30 days to liquidate.
The horse is out.
I don't go that way.
All right.
But remember what I said.
One of your people who works
for me and I know everything you
do.
You play games with me
and you'll be dead, Pasha.
I told you, I understand.
Step outside with
me for a minute,
there's something I want to say.
He can hear anything I can.
Tony.
You first me relieved
me of my gun.
This is your turf, who
could be more safe?
Don't worry about it.
She can use your
friend for a minute.
Anyway, who's afraid
of a contract now?
My, my, what a big
girl we have here.
I never had a chocolate
milkshake before.
Chocolate won't break you out.
That's pretty.
[laughter]
What the hell's happened?
I don't know.
I'll speak to Serene.
Damn, I forgot to pick up my
gun from Tony's bodyguard.
I took care of the bodyguard.
Tony said there's a
rat in our organization.
You check it out, but
I'll take care of it, OK?
OK
This is an election
year Harvey.
If I'm going to be elected mayor
again in '56 for another term,
I've got to have an issue
that I can deal with now.
The decent citizens
in this community
are getting sick and tired of
all the killing and the crime
in the streets.
So, let's give them
a target that they
can focus their anger onto.
John, let me put in a word.
Really, this numbers thing
does look like a good shot.
And you got a ready made
villain here, this Pasha person,
you see?
The police chief is on
line four, Mr. Jabar.
Good ole Harvey, dear love.
The weakest of my
enemies calls me.
Drink it, drink it.
Moma Lottie makes it especially
for me from the real herb.
Wait Nathan.
You can't go in there,
Mr. Jabar is busy.
Nathan!
Nathan, you can't go in--
It's all right,
girl, it's all right.
I had 369, and DuDitry told me
you wasn't going to pay me off.
You've seen DuDirty?
He told you I wouldn't pay?
I paid DuDirty for
your hit yesterday.
I always pay.
Although it's not often
somebody hits me for $7,000.
Sit down.
I don't want to
sit, I want my money.
DuDirty will be here in a few
minutes to make his deadline.
In the meantime, I'm
going to sell you a house.
Go on, sit down.
You've got a little brother
or son, Billy Jones?
Yeah, my brother.
I've seen him go into
the Conwell's every day.
He's a hip little cat.
I think he's got some kind
of a hustle going on already.
What's your name?
Nathan.
Nathan Jones.
Little Billy.
He sure eats a lot
of potato chips.
[horn]
[chatter]
I'm in the chips, man,
DuDirty's in the chips.
Good afternoon, Pasha.
Have you seen my new car?
You remember Serene, don't you?
Hi.
And Nathan Jones, of course.
DuDirty nigger!
Listen man, listen!
You didn't cut
that women, nigger.
That's old timer shit.
I haven't got to
that yet, but I'm
still talking about trying to
glop upside your head, nigger.
But I got your money,
man, I got your money!
Well where is my money?
Look, my number came in
day before yesterday.
Do I have to turn
you upside down--
I got some of your money,
I got some of your money.
I'm going to kill
you, child nigger.
What good is his life
when it's money you want?
What are going to do
for Nathan, DuDirty?
I bought a car, and
I got $3,000 left.
You want the car?
No.
Well--
You're welcome to
look at the wheels.
Now give me the keys, DuDirty.
Now where's my money?
It's in the trunk
man, it's in the trunk.
Well, in a common,
ordinary, brown paper sack.
C'mon DuDirty, you're
going for a ride.
C'mon!
Get in, get in!
Not bad, huh?
Yeah.
Does he had a family or wife?
Relative?
A wife and two kids.
I'll take care of him.
OK?
Girl, get a hold of
Jimmy Rush for me.
-Yes, sir.
-Where's Serene?
I don't know, she was
just here a minute ago.
Sneaky bitch.
Listen Sweetman, I've got
something for you to do.
So, the police chief here
may be right about the risks
involved, and they're
all out of tack.
Now this is 1956, and you
just can't count on what--
Chief Dearlove, who is Pasha,
and what do you know about him?
Edwin Austin is his real name.
He calls himself Hakim Jabar.
Everybody on the south
and the west side
know him as Pasha, or The Pasha.
Now what the hell
kind of name is that?
It's a nigger name.
Have you seen him?
No.
But you know where he is?
Not precisely, no.
But approximately, yes.
How can be sure
that even exists?
How do you know
the numbers exist?
The whole policy lack it?
These people are really
clever about concealment,
betting slips, and money.
Hello, Mr. Conwell.
Billy Jones.
You're interested in chips boy?
They look so good, you
hold them so tight,
I know they've just
got to be good.
You'll have to
take my word for it.
The amount of money generated
in the betting game is enormous.
Let me have my
undercover man explain
this numbers business to you.
Wiley, would you step
in here a minute please?
Gentlemen, this
is Officer Wiley.
Officer Wile, explain
to the gentlemen
the numbers business please.
All right, Major Delaney,
councilman, our investigation
shows that Mr. Pasha
controls the numbers
operation in this city.
He has established pickup
stations four his runners,
and we have found out
that he runs his operation
very successfully.
He controls pick
up, pimps, houses
of prostitutes, politicians--
[music playing]
Hey, I want to talk to you.
Whatcha doing?
What?
Hey man, what you doing?
I'm headed in the barber shop.
Soon as you get your piece over.
You working for the man.
Are you kidding yourself?
I live here, man.
My name's Sweetman,
I've been here 30 years.
I work for Pasha, son.
Funny people Didn't I see you at
the [inaudible] the other day?
Yeah, you.
And I nice little
blonde under your wing.
What are you fighting
the man with?
Pillowcases and sheets?
Hey, Sweetman.
You early today, ain't you?
Pasha's running
my black ass off.
[laughter]
How come the Pasha's
got you hustling so hard?
Trouble, Brother Winston.
Trouble.
You mean like in white
folks middle name?
Not many home folks
that said aggravation.
I heard some of them Italian
businessmen been robbing
the pick up men bad lately.
Shit.
That's nothing new.
They've always been robbin'.
A piece of known
Italian if nothing else.
Some jive cops that bug me.
The man don't mess with you?
Who?
What's the matter with you, man?
Ain't you registered to vote?
This is an election year.
Every four years downtown
looks up and sees black.
Taxes so high now, it
doesn't pay to pay.
Catch you later.
321, Ford.
I'm going to catch you.
You just can't keep your
mind off the fancies,
can you, Brother Winston?
321's going to screw
into the ground.
Let me play your number.
Make your number
in today, I know
what it is, don't even tell me.
You really do?
You know I do.
Hey, I gotta get by to
see you sooner or later,
but it's just a busy way.
Don't leave, Sweetman.
Hey baby, you know how it is.
The number game is now.
And I'll catch you later.
I want to come by.
We'll be there, my numbers.
Billy, someday we'll
move away from here.
Far away from here.
I want to be a football
player and make lots of money,
and buy a bit mansion.
Billy, I'll probably take
care of you all of your life.
I'll be a millionaire before
you get out of the sixth grade.
I got this job with The Pasha.
PASHA: Good evening, Willie.
WILLIE: Good evening, Mr. Jabar.
PASHA: How's that
new baby of yours?
WILLIE: Toya and her
mother are both great.
PASHA: That's good,
take care of them.
WILLIE: OK
PASHA: Tell me, did you
do what I told you to do?
WILLIE: I said I did.
PASHA: Everything?
WILLIE: Everything.
PASHA: Just in time, too.
You know they blew
my man James Turner
away today, just
when I was hassling
with DuDirty over a hit.
A big one?
A youngblood named Nathan Jones
is ready to eat DuDirty alive.
I was ready to let him.
But that was before I got
the news about Turner.
I figured I better cut
down on inside friction,
because we've going to
need everybody we've got.
Everybody.
Nathan's going to
be with us, too.
Look here.
Did he pay him?
DuDirty paid him.
But I want you to train him.
How much time have I got?
None.
Just take him around with you.
Is he good?
Yeah, he's good.
I've had my eye on him
for quite a while now.
Serene call you today?
That bitch don't mean
nothing but trouble.
Anybody that loves
blood that much.
You oughta let me
do whatever she's
supposed to be taking care of.
I don't make as much mess.
Serene's a lovely number,
will be fine for some time.
But over the long haul, I want
you right here, close to me,
understand?
You know, white girls
would be just fine,
if they had a
little more behind.
Just a different thing.
Be careful with
me, I love hips.
With them, it's strictly
what's up front that counts.
Jimmy, I think I'd better
go by silent partners
and see before we
go to the meeting.
Tell Willie that I need
to keep the motor running.
As soon as I'm dressed,
we'll go by Moma Lottie's.
Good evening, Mr. Jabar.
Good evening, Mr. [inaudible].
How are you this evening?
Fine, yourself?
Good, good.
Did your son-in-law get his
business straightened out?
Yes, thanks to your help.
That young lawyer of yours
is a fine young mane.
Yes, very intelligent.
You told my wife,
my daughter, and me,
to hope for a
suspended sentence,
but he wanted that
Jojo to quit it.
And he said there'd
be no more record.
Very resourceful young man.
He understands the white
folks, that's what it is.
He's been to their
schools, he know
how to speak their language.
There's a rumor that you're
going to sell this building
back to the white.
No, I don't take that.
That all right?
Babcakes has got McDonald's
son-in-law acquitted today.
The old man's elated because
it's lighter on his pocketbook.
Good evening.
It is, now that I know
that Jojo's out and OK.
McDonald told you, huh?
How could my son have married
that old prune's daughter?
I'll never understand.
What's that I smell?
You tell me first, you
know what smell good?
Don't look at me
like that, honey.
Before you'll know it,
I'll be done stuck you
and put you in the
pot with the greens.
Where's my man?
Taking a bath, I guess.
I heard the water
running a while back.
[humming]
Hakim Jabar.
Well, if I hadn't been married
to you for the last five years,
I guess I wouldn't
recognize you.
Where you been?
Whatcha been doing?
You haven't been doing nothing
to me, that's for sure.
You left out of here in
your car Tuesday morning,
and it's now 8 o'clock
Wednesday night.
You didn't even call.
I could have been into
anything in that time.
Anything!
Oh yeah?
Now listen, baby.
You just get into
anything you want to.
Absolutely anything that makes
your little heart happy, OK?
You must think I'm crazy.
[music playing]
Why don't you lay
another helping
of them chitlins on me, Mama?
I was just going to do that.
What time is it?
8:30.
Let's go.
Hey, who we got here?
No thanks, honey.
I'm just waiting for the pipe.
Just the pipe.
Hops is doing more good
now than young girls.
OK, Pops.
But maybe some night when
you're smoking your dope,
you ought to let
me-- Momma Lottie?
Look up lightening for me
and the three wise men.
I want to play that
number tomorrow.
Don't let me forget, now.
No, I won't.
Aren't your afraid
of being seen?
Being seen?
Come on, man I do what I do.
Anyway, most of my friends
and all of my notaries
know that I come here.
So why should I sneak around
and try to hide my relationship
with Momma Lottie?
Besides, I want to
go by unnoticed,
I just make myself invisible.
That's the most words I ever
heard you put together, Jim.
You old bat.
Smoke some opium,
raise your head.
On you?
Kiss my feet.
Gee, baby.
You came on me so quick.
I really didn't know it was you.
Come here.
How much time we got?
Enough.
You look bad.
I'm in trouble.
Need some help from me?
That's why I'm here.
You won't let me
love you anymore.
You got anything to eat?
I'm hungry.
Hungry?
You?
What kind of trouble you got?
I'll get to that.
Will you give me
something to eat?
Raphael?
Here.
Raphael.
He'll come cook
you some hot stuff.
Fiery stuff, make you struggle.
You like that tea I make you?
Let me tell you my
other troubles first.
I heard from Police Chief
Harvery Dearlove the other day.
One of my best
customers, usually.
But lately, he ain't been
coming around as much.
He's scared, Momma.
That pig, afraid?
Harvey's a wolf.
Precisely a whole pack of them.
But the one with the biggest
mouth is Antonio Ferrero.
Tony?
You have got nothing
to worry about.
Number's not his business.
He sells dope, heroin, you know.
Anyway, we got an agreement,
Tony and me for operating
this little opiate concession.
No take out, no delivery,
strictly cash, and snort.
He don't bother me.
He's checked this
resources and he
knows that the money
running through out hands
is nice change.
Half the population
may take dope.
But all of the
population plays numbers.
Sometimes.
Tony's not is the only one
that hates me for that.
The damn mayor sheds a
tear every time I drive
by City Hall in a Cadillac.
Niggers are supposed to be
walking jack, or at least
driving his own self.
He's been waiting a
long time for somebody
to give them a reason and
some help to nail my carcass.
Maybe we better give
it all up, at least
until after this election.
I thought of that.
I've got friends down in Mexico.
But you know me.
Sitting around on my
butt is not my thing.
I've got to be right out
there in the middle of it.
Of course, later it should
become necessary for me
to leave the country.
I want to depend upon you
making all the arrangements.
We'll move so fast, no one
will be able to figure us out.
I have a question.
The police chief has
been in our profits.
So has the mayor,
for four years.
Now they want to get greedy.
Why now?
This is the question.
I sure wish I knew what
Tony's promised them.
I think this is his office.
I think the one supposed
to be in the back.
Where's the can?
Here it is.
Try the switch.
Damn thing's dead.
Use your light.
All right.
Let's move.
[knocking]
PROSTITUTE: Come in.
Jimmy.
C'mon, man, let's go.
Cheeta, ain't you
working tonight?
PROSTITUTE: No, I'm not.
This is the only
place it can be.
Must be a fake wall.
Yeah, just as I thought,
there's a room back there.
Willie, drop me off
somewhere close to the office.
But not so that we'll be seen.
What about in front
of Baptist Church?
Do it.
Man, look what Charley's found.
C'mon, there's an easier way.
Aw, shit.
You mean we did all
this work for nothing?
Where is everything?
Very simple.
The mayor wants to
get reelected, right?
The only way he can is to give
the people a scapegoat, right?
The Chief's the only one
that can organize a raid.
So we pull a couple
of phony raids.
I guarantee, within the next two
weeks, we'll arrest somebody,
but it ain't going
to be The Pasha.
You run on inside, give
some of the guys help.
Stay in the car, Willie.
After it's unloaded, turn around
and get ready to split, OK?
Whatever it is going on
over there, it ain't robbery.
Ed, those guys could
be up to anything.
That's right.
And if you're out here
busting your balls
trying to make police sergeant,
just remember one thing.
You don't see no police
sergeant out wandering around
in no dark alleys in no
nigger neighborhood trying
to find out what's going on.
And it don't matter what.
What we carrying, Pasha's wife?
He's got you
doing all the work.
Whatever it is, it's heavy.
Damn.
What'd you do
man, break a nail?
No, I laid a egg.
Hey, I ain't going
out there again.
Is there anymore?
That's it, we got it all.
It's about time.
What you mean, our operation?
Listen, Brother Jabar.
You had a good thing going here.
Small time business for
some people, but good enough
to keep you in a Cadillac,
fine wines, and drinking
cutty, and nice women, too.
But don't be trying
to put our Chevy
drivers out in
the street for you
when your ass is
on the firing line.
This ain't no we shit.
This is you.
Man, don't you know
the white folks
are trying to get rid of you?
They want to take over the
number business themselves,
it's as simple as that.
And I'm ready to do
business with them.
Don't make no difference
to me who the banker is.
I ain't got but a
nickel invested no how.
A nickel of something is
better than a nickel of nothing.
Dad blame it, that's why
my shorts are so high.
That cop's investigating.
You remember that
when you have you
first disagreement with Tony.
Jesus Christ.
What are you wearing
that big mamalama for?
Well, when I call
this meeting, I
figured I might have to
kill me a couple of niggers
to keep everybody in line.
It's better if everybody's
more afraid of me
than they are the man.
My name ain't Jesus.
The name don't have to be--
Was your name Jesus when he got
you out of jail 50,000 times?
That don't make no difference.
That makes a lot of difference.
I ain't dying for nobody.
Don't punk out man.
It's time to stick together now.
Let me tell you something.
When the going gets
tough, Pasha's going
to pay for the baby's shoes.
Pasha?
Raphael?
Where you staying at?
Good to see you.
They raided your
real estate place,
but I see you got
away balls clean.
You got to give Jimmy
Rush credit for that.
He'll probably have that
big bodyguard with him.
He's a tough customer.
Don't worry.
I'll give them both
barrels at once.
We'll be gone before
that bodyguard
gets up off the ground.
If you miss, it's you life.
How can I miss?
Pasha.
What are we going to
do with your equipment?
We can't run the
operation from here.
Not now.
We just can't do it.
What's in the box?
Yeah, yeah, I'm sorry.
I forgot about the boxes.
It's not my equipment.
It's mainly guns and ammunition.
All kinds of weapons.
Jesus Christ.
Small guns, handguns.
Pasha, what are we going to
do with all of these things?
You make your own
decisions about that.
I brought these
things here for you.
Do what you want to do.
We've been talking all
night about how we're
going to protect ourselves.
I expect you top piss
or get off the pot.
If you want to throw them
out in the garbage cans,
go right ahead.
But I'd advise you to
distribute, or get rid of them
as quickly as possible.
Because you may be raided as
early as tomorrow morning.
Then again, maybe not.
Niggers.
I love niggers.
But they make me tired.
Well, I don't like all
this talk about war either.
Most of our people
ain't killers.
Conwell with a gun?
Besides, we don't
have to go to war.
We can outrun them.
You said you're sure there's
a contract down on you?
Well I do know what
I'm doing, Pasha.
They'll have to get
by me to get to you.
Your loyalty
overwhelms me, man.
I'm going home.
Catch you later.
How long you think that
nigger's going to be?
Well, don't worry.
I don't think he's in
any hurry to get it.
There he is.
Hey Mrs. Jones, give me a
dime for a cup of coffee.
Don't bug me this morning,
Peewee, I ain't got not dime.
I know you made some money.
You don't drink
no coffee, no how.
Hey baby, you were
clean last night,
down to your natural toes.
You know how I go, trying to
make it, trying to make it.
Where did you get that
fine red bone, baby?
She gave it to me.
How'd she get by me?
You've been x'd.
Next, man.
For a second I see you still
stuck with that 219 babe.
I hope for god's sake,
because you're killing me.
Hey man.
Hey, brother, what it is?
You played a number last
week, and they didn't pay.
Now you want to play
in my book, right?
I like playing.
OK, what's your number, man?
123.
I tried to get your order
last week at the jive.
But I had it.
Cool.
You owe me a dollar and
a half come Saturday.
I'll pay you.
And stop jiving.
All right.
Everything cool.
Mr. Sweetman?
Hey, Mr. Sweetman!
Mr. Sweetman!
Wow, hey, my man,
what's happening?
You coming to get some
money today, Mr. Sweetman?
No, you're rap's too weak.
You got them in yesterday?
Listen here Little Billy,
stop spending all your time
on the corner, will you?
Go on home, your mom
might be looking for you.
Mr. Sweetman give me a quarter.
That's a quarter?
Sure is, let's go
buy some potato chips.
Pasha, I only called to
give you bad news today.
Go ahead.
I'm going to raid
you a few times, raid
some of your places, that is.
It's the mayor.
Election time again, you know.
So I'm going to play lamb
for the wolves again, huh?
Well if I can't make a
good enough show for him,
he's talking about putting
together a special squad
of handpicked officers
and calling a distress,
responsible only to him.
They'll pick up
where we leave off.
So what does that leave for me?
I'm sorry, Pasha, but
he's giving me a deadline.
Now if you'll just give
me two or three arrests,
maybe the whole
thing will blow over.
Do what you have to do.
Y'all know you're going to
get busted in a few minutes.
Jesus Christ!
I'm going to need some help.
Everybody out the back way now,
and take something with you.
Don't be trying
to put me in it.
I'm just shooting
a game of pool.
If I wanted to work,
I'd be on my job,
at least those folks pay me.
OK, Come on guys,
let's get out of here.
Just one way out, fellas.
Haul ass and stay free.
Pick up something and
take it all out with you.
Jimmy, [inaudible].
You take the car and Serene.
I'll take Joe's car.
Three, Jeremy 12.
Three Jeremy 12.
Three Jeremy 12, go.
[sirens]
Three Jeremy, 12.
We've lost them.
He went around a building
down by the tracks
and just disappeared.
Where are they?
They stepped out for a minute.
Fuck you, gorilla.
Don't play stupid with me.
I asked you a question.
Where are they?
Like I said before,
the proprietors
stepped out for a
minute, and he left
me here to take care of things.
I don't know nothing
about any gambling.
Why you!
You can run nigger,
but you can't hide!
You've got to spring him before
they have a chance to kill him.
Pasha.
When are you going to get
some respect for my thing?
This thing, the law?
It's what you pay me for.
I'm telling you, I can
get him out of jail,
they're not going to kill him.
They wouldn't do that anyway.
This is 1956.
Just get Jimmy Rush
our of the can, Sam.
And don't give it an hour.
Sam Kingston to see Mr. Common.
Yes sir.
Is he expecting you?
Go right in.
I have some papers
for you to see.
Sam Kingston,
you're the attorney?
Yes, I am.
Just a minute.
James Alfonzo Rush?
Do you know when
the operation is?
Pasha said we need
to call Conway,
if that answers your question.
I just had a couple of your
daddy's old nasty coffee.
Honey, get me a little thing
of that [inaudible] there.
This what you
wanted, Ms. Green?
That's it.
What's you dream
last night, Mattie?
Oh, don't ask me.
Don't ask me.
That's getting into
my private business.
Ever since my old
husband died, lord, lord.
Seem like I don't dream about
nothing but some young men.
Well you must play this
same number every day then.
It come out yet?
No.
But when it do, I'm
going to stop dreaming,
and get myself a
young, strong man.
And give him anything he want.
She ain't got a natural
hair on her head.
I know it for a fact.
She ain't going to sit
in the church with that.
Can't you hear
that phone ringing?
You don't want to go to
school, the least you can do
is help out around here.
Lazy heifer.
Conwell's.
Following Nathan Jones?
OK.
Are you following
me, Little Billy?
Shut up, Nathan.
Mama sent me to the store.
Nathan Jones, you've got
to get rid of your pick up.
There are lookouts that said
the cops are following you.
Give me a bag, a big bag.
Grab some groceries,
Little Billy.
Tell Mama I'll be home
later to take her to work.
OK.
Try not to panic, Sweetman.
I'm here through all troubles.
They stand up to
here on my, you know.
But out number's not up yet.
Not by a long shot.
True my man has been
able to make a few bucks.
What are you going to
do, Pasha? [inaudible]
Listen, Sweetman.
I don't tell
everybody my business.
But I want you to understand,
bail ain't that high yet.
See, you district's not
the only one with my back.
Regardless of the hassle,
the man ain't arrested nobody
who had picked up any money.
A few slips, yeah.
A little change, yeah.
But no money.
You see, $100,000
runs through my steel
safe each and every day.
Tony had made a fuck
up, not withstanding.
Well, that's a lot
of [inaudible].
Understand?
So we've got to move again.
We've got to move, that's all.
But we're running
out of places,
except on this side of town.
With election so close,
they're ready to do
a door to door search.
Tell them we'll just have
to say out of folks' houses.
Where's your car?
Down the street.
But the cops know it.
So it's Tony's boys.
There's another
one from someplace,
and meet me in front of
Axel's church in an hour.
Reverend Axel's?
Hey, he's a fool, but--
Gentleman, I'm going to
have to cut out on you now.
Who the devil can that be?
Who knows you're here?
My wife.
Your wife?
Oh come on, I guess you left
the door open for her, too.
Who you calling a fool?
Shut up a minute.
That couldn't have been her.
[inaudible]
I thought that's what
that sounded like.
Axel.
Axel!
I hear you in there
wrestling with temptation.
Any other time, I
wouldn't trouble you.
But believe me, I've
got some very important
business to discuss with you.
That's The Pasha.
Woman, you crazy?
Open that door.
Wait a minute.
I didn't know you were
a religious woman, Pearl.
But I'm glad to see you've
taken the right path.
Reverend.
I'm here on a very
important mission.
Why to me?
Because you're a man of God.
Now is my hour of need.
You don't have to look
so funny at me, Pasha.
You know every man
has some weaknesses.
Exactly.
That's what I came here
to talk to you about.
Those people in
the community whose
weakness is playing numbers.
Pearl, your closeness
to the preacher
doesn't entitle you to
hear our conversation.
What?
Go down to the
basement and get dressed
in the women's bathroom.
Reverend Axel.
How do you spend your days?
What it is, baby?
321.
How much?
Both over 25.
All right, who do I see?
Who do I see for this money?
[inaudible]
Look here, man,
how about my money.
Same thing.
You've been good.
No, but I-- no,
I want my money.
Just do it, bro.
Is that, Ray.
Man, I want--
-All right, Ray.
-Listen.
-We both have to get out.
-Would you listen to me?
I want--
You won't get your
money, no matter what.
-The what you're talking about.
-You get no money.
-I want my money.
-You getting it.
I want it.
-We're gonna split it.
-I want it.
-We're gonna get our money.
-Listen to me.
I want my money.
You hear me?
OK.
You got it, bro.
-I'm gonna get it.
-You got it.
You got it.
You got it.
[screaming]
Little Billy, someday
we'll move away.
Far away from here.
Billy, I'll probably take
care of you all your life.
Get up Nathan, get up Nathan.
Get up!
Don't cry, Billy.
Don't cry.
Everything is going
to be all right, Billy.
Hey, hey, this is what it's
all about, take any part of it.
Take it all.
In the evenings,
though, is mainly
when it's busy around here.
And most mornings, the church's
just is just standing empty.
That's right.
Sweetman, what
are you doing here?
Hey, where's Pasha.
He's in the back
there with the pastor.
-Thanks.
-Hey, Sweetman--
Later, baby.
Well, what's going on?
Later.
I didn't come here to
explain my system to you.
I'm just came here to tell
you I'll use the church.
Pasha.
Sweetman.
You're early.
Couldn't wait, Pasha.
Couldn't wait.
What's this?
Nathan.
They got the kid Nathan.
Tony, that son of a bitch.
I thought he'd try to get me.
You gone?
He hides.
Where'd they leave Nathan?
Home.
Who found him?
His mother?
For Christ's sake,
man, speak up!
Who found him?
His-- his brother.
Little Billy.
The two dudes who did
it have been located.
Moma Lottie's got the stuff made
up that I want to use on them.
All you've got to do,
Serene, is get to them,
and enjoy yourself.
Say, babygirl, what's
taking you so long in there?
You first.
All right.
Hello, Cappy.
I want to see Tony.
Tell him-- Tell him I've
come to make a deal with him.
Who is it?
Pasha.
Alone?
Yes.
Send that nigger on in here.
What is it you want?
To keep our
business between us.
That's the way I wanted
it from the beginning.
I was too arrogant.
That's always been my only
fault. Can you dig it?
Let me fix you a
drink, what do you have?
Scotch on the rocks.
Good.
You look terrible.
Too bad about that kid.
I warned you.
I hoping he wasn't
one of your boys.
Seems like you've been
producing kids ever
since you was one yourself.
You and me came up
together, just like that.
I always loved broads.
Tall, short, fat,
skinny, white, black.
Sweet flesh.
I still do Hakim, how about you?
What are we going to do to
settle this mess anyway?
The Chicago bosses are
tired of waiting, I'm tired,
you're tired,
what's the solution?
I thought perhaps you
might have some ideas.
You Italians were always
better at that kind of thinking
than us old colored folks.
You're too much.
You know, if you knew what
I was thinking right now,
I've hated you for a
long, long time, Hakim.
And right now, at
this moment, I've
got you right here in my hand.
I could kill you, you know that.
But I want to see
you do it yourself.
I want to see you make
a slip somewhere bad.
Just want to catch you
with shit on your face.
Your only chance is going to
be right here and now, Tony.
I still got your gun, Hakim.
Yeah, the one you got
from me in your restaurant.
You've always been a
man of honor, Hakim.
Something I never could
stand in a nigger.
Now I want to see that honor
put you right in your grave.
Are you willing to pay the
price to see me in mine?
Man, oh man.
There's a game.
It's not Italian, it's Russian.
It's a kind of roulette,
a special roulette,
where you play with life.
You see?
You drop a bullet in
the barrel like that.
Then you revolve it.
You put it to your
head, and press.
You do it, Hakim.
You do it.
Just in case you
think I tricked you.
You take the first turn.
Put the gun to you head and
pull the trigger, if you can.
You remember when we were kids?
It was always you that wasn't
afraid, and I always panicked.
God almighty, how you
used to torture me.
Do it, damn it!
Do it!
You're a creep, Tony.
You never have known
how to play fair.
What difference does it make?
A little less noise
and your gimp leg goon
will be in here a hand
grenade or something?
No, no, this place is
completely soundproof.
Nobody will come unless I call
them, and I won't, I swear.
I'm going straight
down to the wire.
Luck is with me tonight,
you ugly son of a bitch.
It's got to be.
It ain't worth it unless
I can whip you just once.
But you're afraid to give me
the satisfaction, aren't you?
You're afraid to put
that gun up to your head.
Take it.
Niggers always want
to go to heaven,
but they don't want to die.
If you weren't so arrogant,
it couldn't been OK.
But you had to have
the biggest gun going.
Now somebody's brains are going
to spill all over my carpet.
You're right, I never
have played fair.
I had the pin file
down, I didn't
want your stinking blood spilled
all over my good self anyway.
I just wanted to see you sweat.
Now that the
ceremonies are all done,
both our ancestors
will be satisfied.
Pasha!
Pasha.
Sit down, shut up and get out.
Hakim.
Hakim?
What happened?
How'd you get here?
Anybody follow you?
Nobody followed me.
I hear music.
Well, you said you
wanted a party tonight.
You got one.
Yeah, we can celebrate now.
I did Tony in tonight, and
his bodyguards kept him.
Oh well, you can't
stay here then.
You'll get Momma
Lottie in bit trouble.
My business is all straight.
I'll be gone before morning.
There's a whole new change
of clothes for you upstairs.
You stay here, I'll
go get them for you.
By the way, Serene is
the room down the hall.
OK.
Hey, are we going to hit Pasha?
Nah.
The contract will
take care of that.
All we got to worry
about is that Serene.
That flashy broad ain't
going be hard to spot.
Come in.
It's getting hot.
I think we better
cool it for awhile.
I know how to contact
you if I need you.
Here's your best.
It's all in small bills.
Thanks, hun.
Take care of yourself.
Did you get Romaine and
the kids squared away?
They're halfway to Mexico
City by now, stop worrying.
Raphael's brother will
fly us out before dawn.
I got the tickets.
Willie, take care
of the Cadillac?
The Cadillac can do a lot of
things, but it sure can't swim.
Can I put that baby on
the bottom of the river?
Chief Dearlove will
spend a lot of time
working out that problem.
Do you want to smoke a pipe?
It's not opium.
It won't make you nod,
it'll make you see clearly.
What is it?
It's not reefer.
It's special-- a special plant
that come out of the ground
around my old home place.
That's suppose to
make me strong too?
It'll make you
remember who you are.
Let's try it then.
We've been here three
hours, wonder when
that broad's going to show?
Here comes somebody now.
That ain't Serene.
Tony said get Serene.
So we wait until she shows.
Cool it, he's coming over.
How about a light
for a cigar, buddy?
[laughter]
I know who the rat is, and
I'm having him taken care of.
MAN [OVER PHONE]: Hello
Is Tony there?
MAN [OVER PHONE]:
That you, Sweetman?
Yeah.
MAN [OVER PHONE]: Lay low.
Pasha's onto you.
He got Tony and Cappy tonight.
My name's Sweetman,
I've been here 30 years.
What are you fighting
the man with?
Pillowcases and sheets?
Remember what I said, one
of your people works for me.
I know who to take care
of to get rid of that.
I don't think you do.
Hello, Mr. Sweetman.
One of those main
runners is Sweetman.
Sweetman, Sweetman.
[laughter]
Tony's not the one
I want you to kill.
There's some things that
Pasha must do for himself.
I know who the rat is.
You don't know where
the operation is?
[laughter]
[gunshots]
Good bye, Mr. Sweetman.
[music playing]
I can't-- believe
me, I wouldn't do
this for anybody else but you.
Who can eat at this time
of the morning anyway?
Not even for my own mother.
I appreciate it, Tony.
You like my place thought, huh?
The only good Italian
restaurant in town.
You know, you haven't been
there in a long time, Hakim.
See?
We've redecorated, expanded.
You're making more money.
No, less, really.
You know, the narcotics
businesses is in the slump.
Various factors.
Competition.
But I expect to make
great deal of money soon.
From numbers?
It's the only
convenient source, Hakim,
how would I do otherwise?
After all, we grew up together,
went to the same school.
But Chicago calls the shots
for me now, you know that.
I need the southwest side.
Like I told you before,
you can keep prostitution.
Later on, I'll cut you
in on the hard stuff.
You just give me the numbers.
Tony, I've told you before.
I don't go that way.
Drugs is your thing, you and
Moma Lottie are into that.
Numbers is my
business, and I intend
to be left alone to do it.
Now that's all I
can here to say.
Why don't you understand
that you're powerless?
You're losing grip, Hakeem.
You don't seem to understand
that you just can't
do anything you want anymore.
You know I know
every movie you make.
Hey you don't pay people
enough, or treat them right.
Something.
I've known your exact
schedule for weeks
now, that you worked
out of the pool room
on Main Street
right this minute.
I know who to get rid
of to take care of that.
I don't think you'll do know.
Anyway, it doesn't
make any difference.
The contract is out
on you, ole boy,
and the order came through
Chicago, not from me.
Understand?
I understand Tony.
But call them and get them to
give me 30 days to liquidate.
The horse is out.
I don't go that way.
All right.
But remember what I said.
One of your people who works
for me and I know everything you
do.
You play games with me
and you'll be dead, Pasha.
I told you, I understand.
Step outside with
me for a minute,
there's something I want to say.
He can hear anything I can.
Tony.
You first me relieved
me of my gun.
This is your turf, who
could be more safe?
Don't worry about it.
She can use your
friend for a minute.
Anyway, who's afraid
of a contract now?
My, my, what a big
girl we have here.
I never had a chocolate
milkshake before.
Chocolate won't break you out.
That's pretty.
[laughter]
What the hell's happened?
I don't know.
I'll speak to Serene.
Damn, I forgot to pick up my
gun from Tony's bodyguard.
I took care of the bodyguard.
Tony said there's a
rat in our organization.
You check it out, but
I'll take care of it, OK?
OK
This is an election
year Harvey.
If I'm going to be elected mayor
again in '56 for another term,
I've got to have an issue
that I can deal with now.
The decent citizens
in this community
are getting sick and tired of
all the killing and the crime
in the streets.
So, let's give them
a target that they
can focus their anger onto.
John, let me put in a word.
Really, this numbers thing
does look like a good shot.
And you got a ready made
villain here, this Pasha person,
you see?
The police chief is on
line four, Mr. Jabar.
Good ole Harvey, dear love.
The weakest of my
enemies calls me.
Drink it, drink it.
Moma Lottie makes it especially
for me from the real herb.
Wait Nathan.
You can't go in there,
Mr. Jabar is busy.
Nathan!
Nathan, you can't go in--
It's all right,
girl, it's all right.
I had 369, and DuDitry told me
you wasn't going to pay me off.
You've seen DuDirty?
He told you I wouldn't pay?
I paid DuDirty for
your hit yesterday.
I always pay.
Although it's not often
somebody hits me for $7,000.
Sit down.
I don't want to
sit, I want my money.
DuDirty will be here in a few
minutes to make his deadline.
In the meantime, I'm
going to sell you a house.
Go on, sit down.
You've got a little brother
or son, Billy Jones?
Yeah, my brother.
I've seen him go into
the Conwell's every day.
He's a hip little cat.
I think he's got some kind
of a hustle going on already.
What's your name?
Nathan.
Nathan Jones.
Little Billy.
He sure eats a lot
of potato chips.
[horn]
[chatter]
I'm in the chips, man,
DuDirty's in the chips.
Good afternoon, Pasha.
Have you seen my new car?
You remember Serene, don't you?
Hi.
And Nathan Jones, of course.
DuDirty nigger!
Listen man, listen!
You didn't cut
that women, nigger.
That's old timer shit.
I haven't got to
that yet, but I'm
still talking about trying to
glop upside your head, nigger.
But I got your money,
man, I got your money!
Well where is my money?
Look, my number came in
day before yesterday.
Do I have to turn
you upside down--
I got some of your money,
I got some of your money.
I'm going to kill
you, child nigger.
What good is his life
when it's money you want?
What are going to do
for Nathan, DuDirty?
I bought a car, and
I got $3,000 left.
You want the car?
No.
Well--
You're welcome to
look at the wheels.
Now give me the keys, DuDirty.
Now where's my money?
It's in the trunk
man, it's in the trunk.
Well, in a common,
ordinary, brown paper sack.
C'mon DuDirty, you're
going for a ride.
C'mon!
Get in, get in!
Not bad, huh?
Yeah.
Does he had a family or wife?
Relative?
A wife and two kids.
I'll take care of him.
OK?
Girl, get a hold of
Jimmy Rush for me.
-Yes, sir.
-Where's Serene?
I don't know, she was
just here a minute ago.
Sneaky bitch.
Listen Sweetman, I've got
something for you to do.
So, the police chief here
may be right about the risks
involved, and they're
all out of tack.
Now this is 1956, and you
just can't count on what--
Chief Dearlove, who is Pasha,
and what do you know about him?
Edwin Austin is his real name.
He calls himself Hakim Jabar.
Everybody on the south
and the west side
know him as Pasha, or The Pasha.
Now what the hell
kind of name is that?
It's a nigger name.
Have you seen him?
No.
But you know where he is?
Not precisely, no.
But approximately, yes.
How can be sure
that even exists?
How do you know
the numbers exist?
The whole policy lack it?
These people are really
clever about concealment,
betting slips, and money.
Hello, Mr. Conwell.
Billy Jones.
You're interested in chips boy?
They look so good, you
hold them so tight,
I know they've just
got to be good.
You'll have to
take my word for it.
The amount of money generated
in the betting game is enormous.
Let me have my
undercover man explain
this numbers business to you.
Wiley, would you step
in here a minute please?
Gentlemen, this
is Officer Wiley.
Officer Wile, explain
to the gentlemen
the numbers business please.
All right, Major Delaney,
councilman, our investigation
shows that Mr. Pasha
controls the numbers
operation in this city.
He has established pickup
stations four his runners,
and we have found out
that he runs his operation
very successfully.
He controls pick
up, pimps, houses
of prostitutes, politicians--
[music playing]
Hey, I want to talk to you.
Whatcha doing?
What?
Hey man, what you doing?
I'm headed in the barber shop.
Soon as you get your piece over.
You working for the man.
Are you kidding yourself?
I live here, man.
My name's Sweetman,
I've been here 30 years.
I work for Pasha, son.
Funny people Didn't I see you at
the [inaudible] the other day?
Yeah, you.
And I nice little
blonde under your wing.
What are you fighting
the man with?
Pillowcases and sheets?
Hey, Sweetman.
You early today, ain't you?
Pasha's running
my black ass off.
[laughter]
How come the Pasha's
got you hustling so hard?
Trouble, Brother Winston.
Trouble.
You mean like in white
folks middle name?
Not many home folks
that said aggravation.
I heard some of them Italian
businessmen been robbing
the pick up men bad lately.
Shit.
That's nothing new.
They've always been robbin'.
A piece of known
Italian if nothing else.
Some jive cops that bug me.
The man don't mess with you?
Who?
What's the matter with you, man?
Ain't you registered to vote?
This is an election year.
Every four years downtown
looks up and sees black.
Taxes so high now, it
doesn't pay to pay.
Catch you later.
321, Ford.
I'm going to catch you.
You just can't keep your
mind off the fancies,
can you, Brother Winston?
321's going to screw
into the ground.
Let me play your number.
Make your number
in today, I know
what it is, don't even tell me.
You really do?
You know I do.
Hey, I gotta get by to
see you sooner or later,
but it's just a busy way.
Don't leave, Sweetman.
Hey baby, you know how it is.
The number game is now.
And I'll catch you later.
I want to come by.
We'll be there, my numbers.
Billy, someday we'll
move away from here.
Far away from here.
I want to be a football
player and make lots of money,
and buy a bit mansion.
Billy, I'll probably take
care of you all of your life.
I'll be a millionaire before
you get out of the sixth grade.
I got this job with The Pasha.
PASHA: Good evening, Willie.
WILLIE: Good evening, Mr. Jabar.
PASHA: How's that
new baby of yours?
WILLIE: Toya and her
mother are both great.
PASHA: That's good,
take care of them.
WILLIE: OK
PASHA: Tell me, did you
do what I told you to do?
WILLIE: I said I did.
PASHA: Everything?
WILLIE: Everything.
PASHA: Just in time, too.
You know they blew
my man James Turner
away today, just
when I was hassling
with DuDirty over a hit.
A big one?
A youngblood named Nathan Jones
is ready to eat DuDirty alive.
I was ready to let him.
But that was before I got
the news about Turner.
I figured I better cut
down on inside friction,
because we've going to
need everybody we've got.
Everybody.
Nathan's going to
be with us, too.
Look here.
Did he pay him?
DuDirty paid him.
But I want you to train him.
How much time have I got?
None.
Just take him around with you.
Is he good?
Yeah, he's good.
I've had my eye on him
for quite a while now.
Serene call you today?
That bitch don't mean
nothing but trouble.
Anybody that loves
blood that much.
You oughta let me
do whatever she's
supposed to be taking care of.
I don't make as much mess.
Serene's a lovely number,
will be fine for some time.
But over the long haul, I want
you right here, close to me,
understand?
You know, white girls
would be just fine,
if they had a
little more behind.
Just a different thing.
Be careful with
me, I love hips.
With them, it's strictly
what's up front that counts.
Jimmy, I think I'd better
go by silent partners
and see before we
go to the meeting.
Tell Willie that I need
to keep the motor running.
As soon as I'm dressed,
we'll go by Moma Lottie's.
Good evening, Mr. Jabar.
Good evening, Mr. [inaudible].
How are you this evening?
Fine, yourself?
Good, good.
Did your son-in-law get his
business straightened out?
Yes, thanks to your help.
That young lawyer of yours
is a fine young mane.
Yes, very intelligent.
You told my wife,
my daughter, and me,
to hope for a
suspended sentence,
but he wanted that
Jojo to quit it.
And he said there'd
be no more record.
Very resourceful young man.
He understands the white
folks, that's what it is.
He's been to their
schools, he know
how to speak their language.
There's a rumor that you're
going to sell this building
back to the white.
No, I don't take that.
That all right?
Babcakes has got McDonald's
son-in-law acquitted today.
The old man's elated because
it's lighter on his pocketbook.
Good evening.
It is, now that I know
that Jojo's out and OK.
McDonald told you, huh?
How could my son have married
that old prune's daughter?
I'll never understand.
What's that I smell?
You tell me first, you
know what smell good?
Don't look at me
like that, honey.
Before you'll know it,
I'll be done stuck you
and put you in the
pot with the greens.
Where's my man?
Taking a bath, I guess.
I heard the water
running a while back.
[humming]
Hakim Jabar.
Well, if I hadn't been married
to you for the last five years,
I guess I wouldn't
recognize you.
Where you been?
Whatcha been doing?
You haven't been doing nothing
to me, that's for sure.
You left out of here in
your car Tuesday morning,
and it's now 8 o'clock
Wednesday night.
You didn't even call.
I could have been into
anything in that time.
Anything!
Oh yeah?
Now listen, baby.
You just get into
anything you want to.
Absolutely anything that makes
your little heart happy, OK?
You must think I'm crazy.
[music playing]
Why don't you lay
another helping
of them chitlins on me, Mama?
I was just going to do that.
What time is it?
8:30.
Let's go.
Hey, who we got here?
No thanks, honey.
I'm just waiting for the pipe.
Just the pipe.
Hops is doing more good
now than young girls.
OK, Pops.
But maybe some night when
you're smoking your dope,
you ought to let
me-- Momma Lottie?
Look up lightening for me
and the three wise men.
I want to play that
number tomorrow.
Don't let me forget, now.
No, I won't.
Aren't your afraid
of being seen?
Being seen?
Come on, man I do what I do.
Anyway, most of my friends
and all of my notaries
know that I come here.
So why should I sneak around
and try to hide my relationship
with Momma Lottie?
Besides, I want to
go by unnoticed,
I just make myself invisible.
That's the most words I ever
heard you put together, Jim.
You old bat.
Smoke some opium,
raise your head.
On you?
Kiss my feet.
Gee, baby.
You came on me so quick.
I really didn't know it was you.
Come here.
How much time we got?
Enough.
You look bad.
I'm in trouble.
Need some help from me?
That's why I'm here.
You won't let me
love you anymore.
You got anything to eat?
I'm hungry.
Hungry?
You?
What kind of trouble you got?
I'll get to that.
Will you give me
something to eat?
Raphael?
Here.
Raphael.
He'll come cook
you some hot stuff.
Fiery stuff, make you struggle.
You like that tea I make you?
Let me tell you my
other troubles first.
I heard from Police Chief
Harvery Dearlove the other day.
One of my best
customers, usually.
But lately, he ain't been
coming around as much.
He's scared, Momma.
That pig, afraid?
Harvey's a wolf.
Precisely a whole pack of them.
But the one with the biggest
mouth is Antonio Ferrero.
Tony?
You have got nothing
to worry about.
Number's not his business.
He sells dope, heroin, you know.
Anyway, we got an agreement,
Tony and me for operating
this little opiate concession.
No take out, no delivery,
strictly cash, and snort.
He don't bother me.
He's checked this
resources and he
knows that the money
running through out hands
is nice change.
Half the population
may take dope.
But all of the
population plays numbers.
Sometimes.
Tony's not is the only one
that hates me for that.
The damn mayor sheds a
tear every time I drive
by City Hall in a Cadillac.
Niggers are supposed to be
walking jack, or at least
driving his own self.
He's been waiting a
long time for somebody
to give them a reason and
some help to nail my carcass.
Maybe we better give
it all up, at least
until after this election.
I thought of that.
I've got friends down in Mexico.
But you know me.
Sitting around on my
butt is not my thing.
I've got to be right out
there in the middle of it.
Of course, later it should
become necessary for me
to leave the country.
I want to depend upon you
making all the arrangements.
We'll move so fast, no one
will be able to figure us out.
I have a question.
The police chief has
been in our profits.
So has the mayor,
for four years.
Now they want to get greedy.
Why now?
This is the question.
I sure wish I knew what
Tony's promised them.
I think this is his office.
I think the one supposed
to be in the back.
Where's the can?
Here it is.
Try the switch.
Damn thing's dead.
Use your light.
All right.
Let's move.
[knocking]
PROSTITUTE: Come in.
Jimmy.
C'mon, man, let's go.
Cheeta, ain't you
working tonight?
PROSTITUTE: No, I'm not.
This is the only
place it can be.
Must be a fake wall.
Yeah, just as I thought,
there's a room back there.
Willie, drop me off
somewhere close to the office.
But not so that we'll be seen.
What about in front
of Baptist Church?
Do it.
Man, look what Charley's found.
C'mon, there's an easier way.
Aw, shit.
You mean we did all
this work for nothing?
Where is everything?
Very simple.
The mayor wants to
get reelected, right?
The only way he can is to give
the people a scapegoat, right?
The Chief's the only one
that can organize a raid.
So we pull a couple
of phony raids.
I guarantee, within the next two
weeks, we'll arrest somebody,
but it ain't going
to be The Pasha.
You run on inside, give
some of the guys help.
Stay in the car, Willie.
After it's unloaded, turn around
and get ready to split, OK?
Whatever it is going on
over there, it ain't robbery.
Ed, those guys could
be up to anything.
That's right.
And if you're out here
busting your balls
trying to make police sergeant,
just remember one thing.
You don't see no police
sergeant out wandering around
in no dark alleys in no
nigger neighborhood trying
to find out what's going on.
And it don't matter what.
What we carrying, Pasha's wife?
He's got you
doing all the work.
Whatever it is, it's heavy.
Damn.
What'd you do
man, break a nail?
No, I laid a egg.
Hey, I ain't going
out there again.
Is there anymore?
That's it, we got it all.
It's about time.
What you mean, our operation?
Listen, Brother Jabar.
You had a good thing going here.
Small time business for
some people, but good enough
to keep you in a Cadillac,
fine wines, and drinking
cutty, and nice women, too.
But don't be trying
to put our Chevy
drivers out in
the street for you
when your ass is
on the firing line.
This ain't no we shit.
This is you.
Man, don't you know
the white folks
are trying to get rid of you?
They want to take over the
number business themselves,
it's as simple as that.
And I'm ready to do
business with them.
Don't make no difference
to me who the banker is.
I ain't got but a
nickel invested no how.
A nickel of something is
better than a nickel of nothing.
Dad blame it, that's why
my shorts are so high.
That cop's investigating.
You remember that
when you have you
first disagreement with Tony.
Jesus Christ.
What are you wearing
that big mamalama for?
Well, when I call
this meeting, I
figured I might have to
kill me a couple of niggers
to keep everybody in line.
It's better if everybody's
more afraid of me
than they are the man.
My name ain't Jesus.
The name don't have to be--
Was your name Jesus when he got
you out of jail 50,000 times?
That don't make no difference.
That makes a lot of difference.
I ain't dying for nobody.
Don't punk out man.
It's time to stick together now.
Let me tell you something.
When the going gets
tough, Pasha's going
to pay for the baby's shoes.
Pasha?
Raphael?
Where you staying at?
Good to see you.
They raided your
real estate place,
but I see you got
away balls clean.
You got to give Jimmy
Rush credit for that.
He'll probably have that
big bodyguard with him.
He's a tough customer.
Don't worry.
I'll give them both
barrels at once.
We'll be gone before
that bodyguard
gets up off the ground.
If you miss, it's you life.
How can I miss?
Pasha.
What are we going to
do with your equipment?
We can't run the
operation from here.
Not now.
We just can't do it.
What's in the box?
Yeah, yeah, I'm sorry.
I forgot about the boxes.
It's not my equipment.
It's mainly guns and ammunition.
All kinds of weapons.
Jesus Christ.
Small guns, handguns.
Pasha, what are we going to
do with all of these things?
You make your own
decisions about that.
I brought these
things here for you.
Do what you want to do.
We've been talking all
night about how we're
going to protect ourselves.
I expect you top piss
or get off the pot.
If you want to throw them
out in the garbage cans,
go right ahead.
But I'd advise you to
distribute, or get rid of them
as quickly as possible.
Because you may be raided as
early as tomorrow morning.
Then again, maybe not.
Niggers.
I love niggers.
But they make me tired.
Well, I don't like all
this talk about war either.
Most of our people
ain't killers.
Conwell with a gun?
Besides, we don't
have to go to war.
We can outrun them.
You said you're sure there's
a contract down on you?
Well I do know what
I'm doing, Pasha.
They'll have to get
by me to get to you.
Your loyalty
overwhelms me, man.
I'm going home.
Catch you later.
How long you think that
nigger's going to be?
Well, don't worry.
I don't think he's in
any hurry to get it.
There he is.
Hey Mrs. Jones, give me a
dime for a cup of coffee.
Don't bug me this morning,
Peewee, I ain't got not dime.
I know you made some money.
You don't drink
no coffee, no how.
Hey baby, you were
clean last night,
down to your natural toes.
You know how I go, trying to
make it, trying to make it.
Where did you get that
fine red bone, baby?
She gave it to me.
How'd she get by me?
You've been x'd.
Next, man.
For a second I see you still
stuck with that 219 babe.
I hope for god's sake,
because you're killing me.
Hey man.
Hey, brother, what it is?
You played a number last
week, and they didn't pay.
Now you want to play
in my book, right?
I like playing.
OK, what's your number, man?
123.
I tried to get your order
last week at the jive.
But I had it.
Cool.
You owe me a dollar and
a half come Saturday.
I'll pay you.
And stop jiving.
All right.
Everything cool.
Mr. Sweetman?
Hey, Mr. Sweetman!
Mr. Sweetman!
Wow, hey, my man,
what's happening?
You coming to get some
money today, Mr. Sweetman?
No, you're rap's too weak.
You got them in yesterday?
Listen here Little Billy,
stop spending all your time
on the corner, will you?
Go on home, your mom
might be looking for you.
Mr. Sweetman give me a quarter.
That's a quarter?
Sure is, let's go
buy some potato chips.
Pasha, I only called to
give you bad news today.
Go ahead.
I'm going to raid
you a few times, raid
some of your places, that is.
It's the mayor.
Election time again, you know.
So I'm going to play lamb
for the wolves again, huh?
Well if I can't make a
good enough show for him,
he's talking about putting
together a special squad
of handpicked officers
and calling a distress,
responsible only to him.
They'll pick up
where we leave off.
So what does that leave for me?
I'm sorry, Pasha, but
he's giving me a deadline.
Now if you'll just give
me two or three arrests,
maybe the whole
thing will blow over.
Do what you have to do.
Y'all know you're going to
get busted in a few minutes.
Jesus Christ!
I'm going to need some help.
Everybody out the back way now,
and take something with you.
Don't be trying
to put me in it.
I'm just shooting
a game of pool.
If I wanted to work,
I'd be on my job,
at least those folks pay me.
OK, Come on guys,
let's get out of here.
Just one way out, fellas.
Haul ass and stay free.
Pick up something and
take it all out with you.
Jimmy, [inaudible].
You take the car and Serene.
I'll take Joe's car.
Three, Jeremy 12.
Three Jeremy 12.
Three Jeremy 12, go.
[sirens]
Three Jeremy, 12.
We've lost them.
He went around a building
down by the tracks
and just disappeared.
Where are they?
They stepped out for a minute.
Fuck you, gorilla.
Don't play stupid with me.
I asked you a question.
Where are they?
Like I said before,
the proprietors
stepped out for a
minute, and he left
me here to take care of things.
I don't know nothing
about any gambling.
Why you!
You can run nigger,
but you can't hide!
You've got to spring him before
they have a chance to kill him.
Pasha.
When are you going to get
some respect for my thing?
This thing, the law?
It's what you pay me for.
I'm telling you, I can
get him out of jail,
they're not going to kill him.
They wouldn't do that anyway.
This is 1956.
Just get Jimmy Rush
our of the can, Sam.
And don't give it an hour.
Sam Kingston to see Mr. Common.
Yes sir.
Is he expecting you?
Go right in.
I have some papers
for you to see.
Sam Kingston,
you're the attorney?
Yes, I am.
Just a minute.
James Alfonzo Rush?
Do you know when
the operation is?
Pasha said we need
to call Conway,
if that answers your question.
I just had a couple of your
daddy's old nasty coffee.
Honey, get me a little thing
of that [inaudible] there.
This what you
wanted, Ms. Green?
That's it.
What's you dream
last night, Mattie?
Oh, don't ask me.
Don't ask me.
That's getting into
my private business.
Ever since my old
husband died, lord, lord.
Seem like I don't dream about
nothing but some young men.
Well you must play this
same number every day then.
It come out yet?
No.
But when it do, I'm
going to stop dreaming,
and get myself a
young, strong man.
And give him anything he want.
She ain't got a natural
hair on her head.
I know it for a fact.
She ain't going to sit
in the church with that.
Can't you hear
that phone ringing?
You don't want to go to
school, the least you can do
is help out around here.
Lazy heifer.
Conwell's.
Following Nathan Jones?
OK.
Are you following
me, Little Billy?
Shut up, Nathan.
Mama sent me to the store.
Nathan Jones, you've got
to get rid of your pick up.
There are lookouts that said
the cops are following you.
Give me a bag, a big bag.
Grab some groceries,
Little Billy.
Tell Mama I'll be home
later to take her to work.
OK.
Try not to panic, Sweetman.
I'm here through all troubles.
They stand up to
here on my, you know.
But out number's not up yet.
Not by a long shot.
True my man has been
able to make a few bucks.
What are you going to
do, Pasha? [inaudible]
Listen, Sweetman.
I don't tell
everybody my business.
But I want you to understand,
bail ain't that high yet.
See, you district's not
the only one with my back.
Regardless of the hassle,
the man ain't arrested nobody
who had picked up any money.
A few slips, yeah.
A little change, yeah.
But no money.
You see, $100,000
runs through my steel
safe each and every day.
Tony had made a fuck
up, not withstanding.
Well, that's a lot
of [inaudible].
Understand?
So we've got to move again.
We've got to move, that's all.
But we're running
out of places,
except on this side of town.
With election so close,
they're ready to do
a door to door search.
Tell them we'll just have
to say out of folks' houses.
Where's your car?
Down the street.
But the cops know it.
So it's Tony's boys.
There's another
one from someplace,
and meet me in front of
Axel's church in an hour.
Reverend Axel's?
Hey, he's a fool, but--
Gentleman, I'm going to
have to cut out on you now.
Who the devil can that be?
Who knows you're here?
My wife.
Your wife?
Oh come on, I guess you left
the door open for her, too.
Who you calling a fool?
Shut up a minute.
That couldn't have been her.
[inaudible]
I thought that's what
that sounded like.
Axel.
Axel!
I hear you in there
wrestling with temptation.
Any other time, I
wouldn't trouble you.
But believe me, I've
got some very important
business to discuss with you.
That's The Pasha.
Woman, you crazy?
Open that door.
Wait a minute.
I didn't know you were
a religious woman, Pearl.
But I'm glad to see you've
taken the right path.
Reverend.
I'm here on a very
important mission.
Why to me?
Because you're a man of God.
Now is my hour of need.
You don't have to look
so funny at me, Pasha.
You know every man
has some weaknesses.
Exactly.
That's what I came here
to talk to you about.
Those people in
the community whose
weakness is playing numbers.
Pearl, your closeness
to the preacher
doesn't entitle you to
hear our conversation.
What?
Go down to the
basement and get dressed
in the women's bathroom.
Reverend Axel.
How do you spend your days?
What it is, baby?
321.
How much?
Both over 25.
All right, who do I see?
Who do I see for this money?
[inaudible]
Look here, man,
how about my money.
Same thing.
You've been good.
No, but I-- no,
I want my money.
Just do it, bro.
Is that, Ray.
Man, I want--
-All right, Ray.
-Listen.
-We both have to get out.
-Would you listen to me?
I want--
You won't get your
money, no matter what.
-The what you're talking about.
-You get no money.
-I want my money.
-You getting it.
I want it.
-We're gonna split it.
-I want it.
-We're gonna get our money.
-Listen to me.
I want my money.
You hear me?
OK.
You got it, bro.
-I'm gonna get it.
-You got it.
You got it.
You got it.
[screaming]
Little Billy, someday
we'll move away.
Far away from here.
Billy, I'll probably take
care of you all your life.
Get up Nathan, get up Nathan.
Get up!
Don't cry, Billy.
Don't cry.
Everything is going
to be all right, Billy.
Hey, hey, this is what it's
all about, take any part of it.
Take it all.
In the evenings,
though, is mainly
when it's busy around here.
And most mornings, the church's
just is just standing empty.
That's right.
Sweetman, what
are you doing here?
Hey, where's Pasha.
He's in the back
there with the pastor.
-Thanks.
-Hey, Sweetman--
Later, baby.
Well, what's going on?
Later.
I didn't come here to
explain my system to you.
I'm just came here to tell
you I'll use the church.
Pasha.
Sweetman.
You're early.
Couldn't wait, Pasha.
Couldn't wait.
What's this?
Nathan.
They got the kid Nathan.
Tony, that son of a bitch.
I thought he'd try to get me.
You gone?
He hides.
Where'd they leave Nathan?
Home.
Who found him?
His mother?
For Christ's sake,
man, speak up!
Who found him?
His-- his brother.
Little Billy.
The two dudes who did
it have been located.
Moma Lottie's got the stuff made
up that I want to use on them.
All you've got to do,
Serene, is get to them,
and enjoy yourself.
Say, babygirl, what's
taking you so long in there?
You first.
All right.
Hello, Cappy.
I want to see Tony.
Tell him-- Tell him I've
come to make a deal with him.
Who is it?
Pasha.
Alone?
Yes.
Send that nigger on in here.
What is it you want?
To keep our
business between us.
That's the way I wanted
it from the beginning.
I was too arrogant.
That's always been my only
fault. Can you dig it?
Let me fix you a
drink, what do you have?
Scotch on the rocks.
Good.
You look terrible.
Too bad about that kid.
I warned you.
I hoping he wasn't
one of your boys.
Seems like you've been
producing kids ever
since you was one yourself.
You and me came up
together, just like that.
I always loved broads.
Tall, short, fat,
skinny, white, black.
Sweet flesh.
I still do Hakim, how about you?
What are we going to do to
settle this mess anyway?
The Chicago bosses are
tired of waiting, I'm tired,
you're tired,
what's the solution?
I thought perhaps you
might have some ideas.
You Italians were always
better at that kind of thinking
than us old colored folks.
You're too much.
You know, if you knew what
I was thinking right now,
I've hated you for a
long, long time, Hakim.
And right now, at
this moment, I've
got you right here in my hand.
I could kill you, you know that.
But I want to see
you do it yourself.
I want to see you make
a slip somewhere bad.
Just want to catch you
with shit on your face.
Your only chance is going to
be right here and now, Tony.
I still got your gun, Hakim.
Yeah, the one you got
from me in your restaurant.
You've always been a
man of honor, Hakim.
Something I never could
stand in a nigger.
Now I want to see that honor
put you right in your grave.
Are you willing to pay the
price to see me in mine?
Man, oh man.
There's a game.
It's not Italian, it's Russian.
It's a kind of roulette,
a special roulette,
where you play with life.
You see?
You drop a bullet in
the barrel like that.
Then you revolve it.
You put it to your
head, and press.
You do it, Hakim.
You do it.
Just in case you
think I tricked you.
You take the first turn.
Put the gun to you head and
pull the trigger, if you can.
You remember when we were kids?
It was always you that wasn't
afraid, and I always panicked.
God almighty, how you
used to torture me.
Do it, damn it!
Do it!
You're a creep, Tony.
You never have known
how to play fair.
What difference does it make?
A little less noise
and your gimp leg goon
will be in here a hand
grenade or something?
No, no, this place is
completely soundproof.
Nobody will come unless I call
them, and I won't, I swear.
I'm going straight
down to the wire.
Luck is with me tonight,
you ugly son of a bitch.
It's got to be.
It ain't worth it unless
I can whip you just once.
But you're afraid to give me
the satisfaction, aren't you?
You're afraid to put
that gun up to your head.
Take it.
Niggers always want
to go to heaven,
but they don't want to die.
If you weren't so arrogant,
it couldn't been OK.
But you had to have
the biggest gun going.
Now somebody's brains are going
to spill all over my carpet.
You're right, I never
have played fair.
I had the pin file
down, I didn't
want your stinking blood spilled
all over my good self anyway.
I just wanted to see you sweat.
Now that the
ceremonies are all done,
both our ancestors
will be satisfied.
Pasha!
Pasha.
Sit down, shut up and get out.
Hakim.
Hakim?
What happened?
How'd you get here?
Anybody follow you?
Nobody followed me.
I hear music.
Well, you said you
wanted a party tonight.
You got one.
Yeah, we can celebrate now.
I did Tony in tonight, and
his bodyguards kept him.
Oh well, you can't
stay here then.
You'll get Momma
Lottie in bit trouble.
My business is all straight.
I'll be gone before morning.
There's a whole new change
of clothes for you upstairs.
You stay here, I'll
go get them for you.
By the way, Serene is
the room down the hall.
OK.
Hey, are we going to hit Pasha?
Nah.
The contract will
take care of that.
All we got to worry
about is that Serene.
That flashy broad ain't
going be hard to spot.
Come in.
It's getting hot.
I think we better
cool it for awhile.
I know how to contact
you if I need you.
Here's your best.
It's all in small bills.
Thanks, hun.
Take care of yourself.
Did you get Romaine and
the kids squared away?
They're halfway to Mexico
City by now, stop worrying.
Raphael's brother will
fly us out before dawn.
I got the tickets.
Willie, take care
of the Cadillac?
The Cadillac can do a lot of
things, but it sure can't swim.
Can I put that baby on
the bottom of the river?
Chief Dearlove will
spend a lot of time
working out that problem.
Do you want to smoke a pipe?
It's not opium.
It won't make you nod,
it'll make you see clearly.
What is it?
It's not reefer.
It's special-- a special plant
that come out of the ground
around my old home place.
That's suppose to
make me strong too?
It'll make you
remember who you are.
Let's try it then.
We've been here three
hours, wonder when
that broad's going to show?
Here comes somebody now.
That ain't Serene.
Tony said get Serene.
So we wait until she shows.
Cool it, he's coming over.
How about a light
for a cigar, buddy?
[laughter]
I know who the rat is, and
I'm having him taken care of.
MAN [OVER PHONE]: Hello
Is Tony there?
MAN [OVER PHONE]:
That you, Sweetman?
Yeah.
MAN [OVER PHONE]: Lay low.
Pasha's onto you.
He got Tony and Cappy tonight.
My name's Sweetman,
I've been here 30 years.
What are you fighting
the man with?
Pillowcases and sheets?
Remember what I said, one
of your people works for me.
I know who to take care
of to get rid of that.
I don't think you do.
Hello, Mr. Sweetman.
One of those main
runners is Sweetman.
Sweetman, Sweetman.
[laughter]
Tony's not the one
I want you to kill.
There's some things that
Pasha must do for himself.
I know who the rat is.
You don't know where
the operation is?
[laughter]
[gunshots]
Good bye, Mr. Sweetman.